Encroachments turning Aabpara, Melody into ugly markets

[Salman]

Encroachments turning Aabpara, Melody into ugly markets

ISLAMABAD - Aabpara and Melody markets are facing problems due to growing encroachments, poor sewerage and lack of parking facilities.
The two markets are the oldest and busiest business centres in the city, but they are turning ugly with immense difficulties for shoppers and traders.
Encroached pavements have made it hard for visitors to walk through the corridors of these markets. Civic authorities have turned a blind eye to the plight of these markets.
Talking to this scribe, a number of visitors criticised the authorities for not taking action against the shopkeepers who had encroached upon the corridors and footpaths.
Azmat Malik, a visitor, said it had become a nuisance to shop at Melody and Aabpara markets.
“I live in G-6 and it is convenient for me to shop at these markets but their condition is worsening, making it hard for me to continue shopping here.” He said the shopkeepers and vendors had not only encroached upon the pavements but also the corridors in front of shops, making it hard for people to move around and shop comfortably.
“Shopkeepers allow encroachers to occupy space in front of their shops, as they get money in return,” he said.
Naeem Asghar, another shopper, complained about bad sanitary conditions of the markets where sewage keeps on gushing out of drains.
“Each time I visit the market, I have to face a similar situation where pounds of stinky water obstruct the movement of visitors,” he said.
Car parking is another major problem being confronted by visitors, who have to wait for hours to get a space to park their vehicles.
“It takes a lot of time to roam around and find a place for parking,” said a motorist Anwar.
Citizens have asked the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to remove encroachments, and build parking area around Aabpara and Melody markets.
CDA officials were not available for comment despite repeated calls.